What is Intel Unison: Revolutionizing Connectivity on HP Devices
Table of Contents
Now more than ever, people rely on multiple personal devices to stay connected. While it used to be that a single PDA, cell phone, or laptop was enough for the average person, nowadays, it's common for someone to have multiple devices for their needs. Nearly everyone has a cell phone and laptop, and many are supplementing their devices with additional resources: desktop computers, work phones and laptops, tablets, and countless other smart devices.
Generally speaking, these devices are good at connecting and communicating with each other. That said, utilizing multiple operating systems across several brands poses a challenge regarding inter-device connectivity.
Sharing data between devices presents unique challenges. It usually requires the utilization of one or more software programs, both proprietary and third-party. While certainly possible, sharing and syncing content across all these platforms can quickly become tedious, leading to frustration.
Luckily, the fine folks at Intel® recognized this problem. Their solution is Intel Unison, which allows PCs equipped with certain Intel processors to connect seamlessly to both Apple and Android devices, eliminating the frustration associated with inter-device connectivity and even opening up new ways of communication across all of your devices.
How Intel Unison works
The seeds for Intel Unison were planted in 2021 when Intel acquired a small software startup known as Screenovate. With Intel's resources and Screenovate's groundbreaking idea to enhance interconnectivity between devices with different operating systems, Intel Unison was born.
Announced in September 2022, Intel Unison uses WiFi, peer-to-peer, or Bluetooth connection technology to link mobile devices to Intel Evo-certified laptops seamlessly.
The Intel Evo platform is a set of standards to ensure quality and convenience in laptops equipped with 11th, 12th, and 13th Generation Intel processors. Intel Evo-certified laptops guarantee the latest in Intel central processing unit (CPU) core technologies, ensuring maximum speed and responsiveness.
You can also rest assured that Evo-certified laptops meet rigid specifications for fast charging time and high-speed internet connectivity. Finally, Intel Evo laptops are always equipped with the latest and greatest audiovisual technology, from sharp, vibrant displays to crystal-clear speakers.
That means that when you invest in a laptop that is Intel Evo-certified, you get a top-tier user experience and unprecedented connectivity thanks to Intel Unison.
Key features of Intel Unison
In short, Intel Unison allows an Intel Evo-certified laptop to seamlessly connect with both Apple and Android devices, ushering in a new era of true cross-platform compatibility.
To understand what makes Intel Unison so special, let's first review a common scenario: what happens when you try to connect your phone or tablet to a PC without Intel Unison? While some proprietary and third-party software exists to connect two different types of devices wirelessly, it is usually done with a USB cable. This not only charges the phone but also allows for file transfers. Unfortunately, for most people, the benefits end there.
While this is certainly a valid way to connect two devices, it poses some potential problems. File transfer speed will vary depending on the type of connection and the specifications of the cable itself. Furthermore, transferring files from an Apple iOS device to a Windows device can result in file compatibility issues and more since the two devices use different operating systems.
But with Intel Unison, those issues are a thing of the past. The Intel Unison app controls all of Intel Unison’s features, which provides a singular, streamlined dashboard whether you're using your smartphone or PC.
Some major features of Intel Unison include:
File Transfer
Intel Unison enables swift and hassle-free file sharing, sparing users the inconvenience of dealing with cables or fretting over operating system disparities. This feature is particularly helpful for photographers, as it lets them capture moments on their smartphones and instantaneously transfer the images to their PCs for editing.
Notifications
We've all been there: you're working on your PC, and suddenly, you get a notification on your phone. You check it, get distracted, start scrolling through social media, and it's been an hour before you know it! Phones are helpful communication tools but can quickly become distractions if you're not careful.
Luckily, Intel Unison takes great strides in reducing phone distractions by allowing you to see notifications on your PC. This innovative feature eliminates the need to interrupt your workflow to check a mobile device, offering a convenient way to gauge the importance of incoming messages, calls, or app alerts without reaching for the phone.
Calling
Now, let's say one of those notifications is important - maybe it's a call from your boss! Thanks to Intel Unison, there's no need to pull out another device. Intel Unison lets you make calls directly from your PC using the built-in speakers and microphone. This also means you can plug in high-quality peripherals like USB microphones to maximize clarity. This integration streamlines communication and enhances multitasking, enabling individuals to handle calls while continuing to work on their computers.
Messaging
As you have probably guessed by now, this functionality extends to text messages. With Intel Unison, text conversations become more fluid and accessible as users can respond to messages without interrupting their workflow on the PC. Plus, a bigger screen and full-size keyboard means you can compose more detailed messages and easily manage conversations without using your mobile device.
Whether for business or personal use, Intel Unison empowers users to stay connected without being tethered to their mobile devices, providing a more flexible and efficient communication experience.
Compatibility and requirements
Intel Unison is a versatile platform, but it does have a few requirements and compatibility considerations - namely, wireless connectivity, Bluetooth technology, and a supported version of Windows.
Intel Unison is compatible with machines running Microsoft Windows 11 SV2, though wireless and Bluetooth must be enabled. Keep in mind that these are the minimum system requirements needed to run the software and access its basic features.
However, if you have an Intel Evo-certified PC with a 13th Generation Intel Core™ i5 processor or above, you can access premium features, such as an extended display. For this, you'll also need at least 8GB of RAM.
On mobile devices, the Intel Unison app is compatible with iOS 15 and above and Android 9 and above.
HP devices compatible with Intel Unison
Wondering which devices are compatible with Intel Unison? If you're in the market for a new PC and are interested in utilizing Intel Unison, look no further than these Intel-powered laptops from HP.
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop
Powered by a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-1355U processor with an impressive 5 GHz boost clock, the HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop combines maximum power and portability for busy, on-the-go professionals. Equipped with 16GB memory and a lightning-fast 1TB solid-state drive (SSD) storage, this HP Spectre is Intel Evo-certified, guaranteeing top-notch performance and access to Unison's advanced features.
Plus, thanks to the built-in Intel Iris® Xe graphics card, you can enjoy a vibrant, 13.5-inch IPS touch display, perfect for entertainment like video games and movies.
Whether for work or entertainment, the HP Spectre x360 excels with its innovative features and powerful specifications.
HP Spectre x360 2-in-1 laptop (16t-f2000)
A 2-in-1 laptop is great for busy professionals on the go, and if you're in the market for something more sizable, you should consider the HP Spectre x360 (16t-f2000). Equipped with an Intel Core i7-13700H 14-core processor that can reach speeds of up to 5.0 GHz, the device effortlessly handles multitasking demands.
But the standout feature of the 16t-f2000 is its 16-inch multi-touch enabled display, with a sharp resolution of 3072 x 1920 pixels. If that's still not enough visual power, you can customize this model with an OLED screen for a sharp, vibrant picture.
While the device comes equipped with an impressive Intel Iris graphics card, you have other options as well. You can choose an Intel Arc A370M GPU with 16GB to 32GB of VRAM to squeeze the most out of that impressive display.
HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 Laptop (15-ew1047nr)
If you're on a budget, there's no need to sacrifice power, and the HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 laptop is a perfect example of that. The included Intel i5-1335U is small but mighty, boasting 10 cores and a boost clock speed of 4.6 GHz.
With 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD, the laptop excels in swift multitasking and file storage. Finally, the Intel Iris GPU powers the full HD (1920 x 1080) multi-touch enabled IPS display, ensuring all forms of entertainment look crisp and vibrant.
The HP ENVY x360 2-in-1 laptop effortlessly combines budget-friendliness with strong performance, making it perfect for new professionals or busy students.
Summary
Intel Unison marks a significant leap forward in overcoming the challenges of inter-device connectivity across different operating systems. This innovative technology, born out of Intel's acquisition of Screenovate, seamlessly links Intel Evo-certified laptops to Apple and Android devices.
Intel Unison's key features, including file transfer, notifications, calling, and messaging, enhance user convenience and efficiency. If you're looking to take advantage of the many benefits of Intel Unison, look no further than a top-of-the-line laptop PC from HP.
